Southern California -- this just in

Supporters of slain man march in Compton to demand justice

January 26, 2013 | 6:54
pm

Armed with signs, photos and bullhorns, more than 100 people marched through the streets of Compton on Saturday afternoon, eliciting honks and cheers from passersby who echoed their screams for justice.

"No justice, no peace," the marchers yelled. "No killer police."

The march was the latest organized by family members of Jose de la Trinidad, an unarmed man who was shot and killed by sheriff's deputies Nov. 10 after a police pursuit.

De la Trinidad, 36, was riding in the passenger seat of his brother's car when deputies attempted to pull them over. After a brief car chase, De la Trinidad exited the car and was shot by the deputies, who believed he was reaching for a weapon.

But family members and a witness to the shooting told The Times that de la Trinidad was complying with deputies and had his hands above his head when he was shot.

"He was doing everything he was supposed to," said Rosie de la Trinidad, Jose's widow, who held the hands of the couple's two young daughters and fought back tears for much of the march. "All we're asking for is justice."

Saturday's march began on East 122nd Street at the spot where De la Trinidad was gunned down and ended on the sidewalk outside the sheriff's station in Compton.

Marchers carried signs reading "Jose posed no threat, why is he dead?" and "Dedicated father stolen from his family," and chanted in both English and Spanish as they made their way along the march route.

The shooting is being investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, and sheriff's officials continue to search for additional witnesses.

The march was monitored by sheriff's deputies, who followed closely in patrol cars and were subject to verbal attacks from De la Trinidad's supporters.

"Don't shoot me in the back," one woman yelled to a pair of deputies parked along the march route. "I'm unarmed."

Once marchers arrived at the sheriff's station, some in the crowd called for L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca to "get control" of his deputies and yelled at the roughly 20 officers who lined up in front of protesters.

"This was our first march, but it won't be our last," declared Damion Ramirez, 36, who was one of half a dozen speakers. "We will not stop until justice for Jose is a reality."